Posted January 26, 2013 in Blog
Information from our North Dallas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Todd A. Pollock:
In my plastic surgery practice, many women who come in for a breast augmentation consultation ask about “gummy bear” breast implants. These implants are being hyped as the next great thing. Of those who ask, very few know what they are or what advantages they may have over other types of breast implants.
From the very beginning of breast implant surgery there has been a question of what is the best shape for a breast implant. As tear-drop shape was thought to be best so the first implants were tear-drop. However, the thin, liquid silicone was unable to maintain the shape and tended to fold. Additionally, these implants have a definite orientation and if they move by flipping or rotating the breast looks abnormal. These problems led to the development of round implant which have been the most commonly used implants over the decades. But advocates of the shaped implants continued to pursue this implant type. The manufacturers, in pursuit of a shaped implant began to crosslink the silicone molecules together to thicken the silicone into a more cohesive gel. There have been several generations of this “cohesive” gel with each subsequent generation getting thicker and thicker until the current 3rd generation that is able to hold a tear-drop shape. This is known as “form stable” but nicknamed “gummy bear” after the gooey candy.
There are advantages and disadvantages of these gummy bear breast implants. The biggest advantage is that it is tough to break and may last a long time, if not forever. However, with the form stabilization, it is much firmer and, in my opinion, loses much of the advantage of the soft, natural feeling, (2nd generation cohesive) silicone implant. Also, shaped implants can rotate out of position and this occurs in 5% or more patients. And there is still the question of whether a shaped implant is necessary. Round implants are thought to impart shape on the breast because gravity makes them more like a normal breast- when upright, the implant moves to the bottom of the breast giving the breast a tear-drop shape. When lying down, the implant is round, like a normal breast is in that position.
So, are gummy bear implants for you?
That is a question that you and your board certified plastic surgeon must answer together. But remember, just because it is new and “all the rage” doesn’t mean it is without problems and trade-offs. Our plastic surgeons, located in both Dallas and Allen, believe and practice this philosophy when it comes to our patients: Beauty begins with knowledge.
For more information from Dr. Harlan Pollock and Dr. Todd A. Pollock on breast implants, read these pages:
- Cosmetic Breast Surgery – Our Introduction to Breast Augmentation Information and Options
- Dallas Breast Augmentation or Enlargement – Breast Implant Type (Saline vs. Silicone), Size, and Incision Location
